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Despite students getting a lengthy break, the same could not be said for the Long Beach State athletic programs.
Over the semester break the women's basketball team had a successful run, compiling a 5-2 record with wins over East Tennessee State, Oklahoma State, San Diego and New Mexico State and Nevada. The team is 2-1 in the Big West, 8-6 overall.
The team is tied for first in blocked shots, averaging 5.8 a game, and 3 point field goal percentage defense with a .248 average. LBSU has also won eight straight games in The Pyramid, dating back to their last home game of the 1997-98 season.
RHONDA SMITH is leading the nation with a 4.8 block per game average, as of Jan. 12. Smith is also leading the Big West with a .581 field goal percentage and has four double-doubles.
In the women's 66-45 victory over Nevada, Kesha Wade grabbed a season high 11 rebounds.
The women's next game is Jan. 22 at The Pyramid against Cal State Fullerton.
The men's basketball team, after losing to Northwestern 67-47 on Dec. 27, ended up with a 3-2 record over the break with wins over Idaho, Nevada and North Texas. The team is 4-1 in the Big West, 7-8 overall.
RAMEL "Rock" LLOYD was named co-Big West Player Of The Week on Jan. 4, along with Boise State's Roberto Bergersen. In the 49ers victory over Idaho, Rock scored 32 points, shooting 56 percent from the field and 91 percent from the free throw line. He also increased his double-digit scoring streak to eight games.
Against North Texas, Rock again poured in 32 points to go along with five rebounds, in the 49ers 79-72 victory at Denton, Texas.
The men's next game is Jan. 23 on the road against UC Irvine.
The men's volleyball team won the Jan. 15-16 UC Santa Barbara Collegiate Classic.
In the final, LBSU defeated USC 15-9, 13-15, 12-15, 15-5, 20-18.
MATT PROSSER was named MVP of the tournament, contributing 16 kills and hitting .519 in the title match.
Dave McKienzie, who had 15 kills and a match-high 10 digs, along with freshman setter Jeremy Blain were named to the all-tournament team.
The volleyball team will open its 1999 regular season on Jan. 20 at
The Pyramid against Cal Baptist.
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